The 1st Strategic Defence Wing and the 13th Shock Division of the Serendip Belt 1st Fleet arrive in system.

The Strategic Defence Wing consists of 9 squadrons of Electron class destroyers. After a brief battle the Belters achieve orbital supremacy. Three 200t Zuflucht patrol ships were destroyed. They inflicted no damage whatever on the vastly superior Serendip Belt force.

Admiral Eldrich, in command of the invasion fleet, informs the Zuflucht government that she has been ordered to annex the Zuflucht system, and she urges the people of Zuflucht to agree to a contract turning over the conduct of their foreign affairs to the Serendip Belt Corporation. They have five days to consider their response.

After five days of deliberation the people of Zuflucht accept the terms, under protest, in a world-wide vote. An open plea for help from the free peoples of the Islands is made. Adolf Hansson, the Speaker of Zuflucht signs the contract on behalf of the people.